English Setter no longer at risk of extinction

And Old English Sheepdog fighting back

The English Setter has come off the Kennel Club's list of native
dog breeds that could be at risk of extinction after registrations
increased by 25 percent in 2012, in a year that saw a celebration
of all things British.

The
breed dropped to less than 300 registrations last year, which is
the point at which the Kennel Club deems a breed to be vulnerable.
In 2012 the breed increased from 234 to 314 registrations, which
means that the breed has now moved onto the Kennel Club's At Watch
list, which is for breeds that have between 300 and 450
registrations and whose progress is monitored by the Club.

The Old English Sheepdog, which entered the Kennel Club's At Watch
List last year has also seen a 7 percent increase, taking it to 429
registrations.

The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, which originated in Ireland, has
also come out of the At Watch list for the first time after its
registrations went from 433 to 455 in 2012, meaning that the future
should now be bright for the breed.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Everybody is talking
about the post Olympic baby boom but perhaps the celebration of our
British heritage in 2012 has helped lead to a revival of some of
our native breeds.

"Fashion and profile have the most influential impact on dog
choice and we are pleased to see there is still a place in people's
hearts and homes for our British vulnerable breeds. Many are still
at risk but there has been significant improvement in some breeds.
People need to make sure that any dog that they choose is a good
fit for their lifestyle but we hope that by highlighting these
lesser known breeds people will do their research thoroughly before
they buy to see if these dogs might be for them and we hope that
people will come to Crufts in March to find out more."

Fran Grimsdell, Kennel Club Assured Breeder of English Setters,
said: "The number of people enquiring about English Setters, who
would never have previously considered the breed, has increased in
the last year. The existence of the Kennel Club's Vulnerable Breeds
List has really helped to highlight their plight, and people are
starting to think more deeply about their choice of dog, rather
than going for the obvious choice. English Setters need company and
cannot be left alone for long periods but they can are marvelous
with children and make such wonderful family pets."

Other breeds that have significantly increased in popularity
include the English Toy Terrier (Black and Tan) which has seen a 25
percent increase, to 126 puppy registrations; the Sussex Spaniel
which increased by 29 percent to 74 registrations and the
Irish Water Spaniel which has gone up by 32 percent to 148
registrations.

However, the significant decline of the Smooth Fox Terrier by 46
percent to just 94 registrations and of the Clumber Spaniel by 56
percent, to 151 puppy registrations, means that the overall number
of dogs within the 35 breeds on the Vulnerable and At Watch lists
have increased by one percent.

The breeds on the Kennel Club's vulnerable breeds list will be
amongst the 210 breeds that will be at Crufts, at the NEC on 8-11
March. There will be a Discover Dogs zone, where visitors can meet
and learn about the different breeds.